ATLANTA — Georgia Tech linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu has been suspended for the first half of Saturday's game at Duke for throwing a punch at Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas.

Attaochu acknowledged after Thursday night's 37-26 loss to the Hokies an "overdose of adrenaline" and frustration led him to hit Thomas on the back of his helmet when he was having troubling tackling the big quarterback on a crucial third-down play.

The personal foul penalty against Attaochu late in the third quarter allowed Virginia Tech to keep the ball for its go-ahead touchdown drive.

There was speculation Attaochu might face disciplinary action from the Atlantic Coast Conference. Instead Monday's suspension was decided by Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech says Malcolm Munroe or Brandon Watts will start for Attaochu.